Cardinals’ 2023 offense one of the worst despite rushing attack

Although the Arizona Cardinals’ offense was among the worst in the NFL overall in 2023, their running attack was ranked as the best in the country according to Pro Football Focus.

PFF has divided the 32 offenses into groups based essentially on how they attacked the defense and how successful they were in doing so.

The first cluster consisted of teams that relied heavily on the passing style of play, such as the Kansas City Chiefs or the Green Bay Packers, while the second cluster had more explosive attacks both in the air and on the ground, such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins.

The third cluster included teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles, who relied on eleven players (a running back and a tight end) and scored on fourth down.

The Cardinals were joined by other teams like the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers in Cluster 4, the least successful of the four clusters. Here’s what PFF said about Arizona’s grouping:

They posted the lowest average offensive grade of the four clusters (68.5), relied on the run more than other teams, and posted the lowest average EPA per game (-0.12). They were also, on average, the least successful teams at converting fourth down attempts (49.9%).

Running back James Conner’s first 1,000-yard season helped the Cardinals earn a league-best 92.4 running attack rating, but the team struggled through the air to the point where it ranks just 21st in total offensive rating (72.3) and 20th in expected points per play (-0.07).

The team’s running attack could be even better in 2024 thanks to some new additions in the draft – notably running back Trey Benson, offensive lineman Isaiah Adams and tight end Tip Reiman, all selected in Round 3 – as well as an aerial attack enhanced by the signing of wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Zay Jones, to name a few.

Thanks to the improvements and a healthier Kyler Murray, Arizona could find its way into a new cluster in 2024.

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